Why does Malaysia appear less vocal on the South China Sea issue?

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Malaysia Appears Less Vocal on the South China Sea Due to Strong Economic Ties with China

Malaysia is likely to adopt a less vocal stance on the South China Sea issue during the upcoming 26th Asean summit due to its significant economic interdependence with China. As China's third-largest trading partner in Asia and the largest among Asean nations, with bilateral trade reaching US$102 billion in 2014, Malaysia's economic interests appear to outweigh its assertiveness on territorial disputes. This is further underscored by a previous pledge between Malaysia and China to increase trade to US$160 billion by 2017.
Economic Priorities Dictate Agenda

The agenda for the upcoming Asean summit, set by Malaysia as the rotating chair, is expected to heavily emphasize trade and investment rather than contentious strategic issues like the South China Sea. Political analyst Oh Ei Sun notes that this focus is understandable given Malaysia's own orientation towards economic development. This strategic prioritization reflects a broader trend where economic considerations often shape foreign policy discussions among regional powers, especially in contexts with substantial trade volumes.
Downplaying Disputes Amidst Economic Ties

Despite China's claims over James Shoal, located off Malaysia's Sarawak state, Malaysia has historically been less vocal on the matter compared to other claimants like the Philippines and Vietnam. This subdued approach is widely attributed to the robust economic relationship between Kuala Lumpur and Beijing. The substantial flow of trade and investment creates a delicate balance, potentially influencing Malaysia's willingness to engage in strong public opposition or confrontational diplomacy regarding territorial claims.
Regional Dynamics and International Involvement

While the Philippines, led by President Benigno Aquino, has sought greater support from Southeast Asian nations and Washington regarding the South China Sea, Malaysia's approach appears more tempered. The Philippines has expressed concerns that Chinese reclamation works could negatively impact global trade and has actively pursued alliances, including resuming large-scale military exercises with the US and seeking defense pacts with Japan. However, even with increased support from countries like the US and Japan, experts suggest that outright confrontation with China is unlikely to be entirely successful, with compromises being a probable outcome due to the overarching importance of relationships with China for all parties involved.

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Why does Malaysia appear less vocal on the South China Sea issue?

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